U.S. patent application number 11/860798 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for biofeedback method and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to THETA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Invention is credited to John Rose, Robert S. Schachter.
Application Number | 20080071137 11/860798 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37054007 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080071137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schachter; Robert S. ; et
al. |
March 20, 2008 |
BIOFEEDBACK METHOD AND APPARATUS
Abstract
The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for
relieving stress using biofeedback techniques. In embodiments, the
method and system are used according to a specified regimen to
enable a user to achieve a relaxed state. The apparatus comprises a
sensor 10 wirelessly connected to a CPU 20, which processes signals
from the sensor 10 to produce a visual display 36 and/or auditory
display 44 that is representative of the relaxation state of the
user.
Inventors: |
Schachter; Robert S.;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Rose; John; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
THETA TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
150 E. 56th Street
New York
NY
10022
|
Family ID: |
37054007 |
Appl. No.: |
11/860798 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2006/011279 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
11860798 |
Sep 25, 2007 |
|
|
|
60665393 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2021/0027 20130101;
A61B 5/0816 20130101; A61M 21/00 20130101; A61M 2021/0044 20130101;
A61M 2205/3592 20130101; A61M 2205/3569 20130101; A61B 5/486
20130101; Y10S 128/905 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/027 |
International
Class: |
A61M 21/00 20060101
A61M021/00 |
Claims
1. A method of inducing a relaxed state, comprising: (a) detecting
a user's breathing pattern with a sensor worn by or positioned on
the user; (b) producing a signal corresponding to the breathing
pattern detected by the sensor; (c) generating auditory and/or
visual outputs corresponding to the signal, and (d) transmitting
the auditory and/or visual outputs to the user through a feedback
monitor, and (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) at intervals.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein steps (a) through (d) are
repeated in a session lasting about 15 minutes to about 1 hour.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising repeating the session
multiple times per week.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising repeating the session
on a daily basis.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising repeating the session
in a regimen of about 10 to about 20 sessions over the course of
about 2 to about 6 weeks.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the session is about 30 minutes,
repeated 3 to 4 times per week for 3 to 4 weeks.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting auditory
and/or visual outputs to the user comprises wirelessly transmitting
signals to the feedback monitor worn by the user.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting auditory
and/or visual outputs to the user comprises wirelessly transmitting
visual signals to an eyepiece monitor worn by the user.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting auditory
outputs to a separate earpiece worn by the user.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting two
audio outputs to the user: (i) a white-noise audio output that
varies according to the user's breathing pattern, and (ii)
background music or tones that do not vary according to the user's
breathing pattern.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting a user's
breathing pattern comprises wirelessly transmitting a signal from a
sensor worn by the user to a central processing unit.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising recording information
related to the user's breathing pattern over time in a digital
memory device.
13. A method of enhancing the sports performance of a user in a
specific application, comprising: (a) running an
application-specific visualization observed by the user; (b)
detecting a user's breathing pattern with a sensor worn by the
user; (c) producing a signal corresponding to the breathing pattern
detected by the sensor; (d) processing the signal to generate
auditory and/or visual outputs corresponding to the relaxation
state of the user; and (e) transmitting the auditory and/or visual
outputs to the user through a feedback monitor worn by the user,
and (f) repeating steps (a) through (e) at intervals.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the
application-specific visualization is transmitted through the
feedback monitor worn by the user.
15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the application in
which performance is enhanced is a sport, and the
application-specific visualization is a video presentation of
several seconds to 30 minutes in length depicting a specific skill
or a small set of specific skills.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein steps (d) through (e)
are repeated in a session lasting about 15 minutes to about 1
hour.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising repeating the
session multiple times per week.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising repeating the
session on a daily basis.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising repeating the
session in a regimen of about 10 to about 20 sessions over the
course of about 2 to about 6 weeks.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the session is about 30
minutes, repeated 3 to 4 times per week for 3 to 4 weeks.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein a theta state is induced in the
user.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein a theta state is induced in the
user.
23. A biofeedback apparatus, comprising: a respiration sensor worn
by a user that produces a signal corresponding to a subject's
breathing; a processor adapted to digitally process the signal
produced by the sensor to form an output signal; a feedback monitor
worn by the user adapted to display visual and/or auditory images
corresponding to the output signal formed by the processor; wherein
the feedback monitor and the sensor communicate wirelessly with the
processor.
24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a
memory module to record over time a data signal received from the
sensor, and/or a signal generated by the CPU in response to the
signal from the sensor.
25. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising an
external source of audio and/or video communicating with the
feedback monitor.
26. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the respiration
sensor comprises an optical encoder.
27. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a
printer communicating with the CPU.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2006/011279, filed Mar. 27, 2006, which
claims the benefit of priority of provisional application No.
60/665,393, filed Mar. 28, 2005, both of which applications are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is directed to a method wherein a repeated
biofeedback regimen is used to achieve a deeply relaxed state.
Moreover, after repeated use of the method described herein, the
user is able to achieve this deeply relaxed state without using the
device described herein. In another aspect, the repeated regimen is
used in conjunction with visualization techniques to enhance the
individual's performance at sports or other activity. In still
another aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus adapted
for use with these methods.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A relaxation therapy apparatus is described in GB 1,359,005,
which is incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus is said to
be useful in "treating psychical and psychosomatic illness, general
nervousness, and states of exhaustion."
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,926, also incorporated herein by
reference, describes a method and apparatus for measuring the
relaxation state of a person.
[0007] According to the foregoing patents, a respiration sensor is
used to obtain a signal from a subject's breathing characteristics
and a calculation is performed to obtain a measure characteristic
of the subject's relaxation state, referred to herein as the
relaxation quotient or "RQ." The signal is processed to form a
sensory output, qualitatively corresponding to the subject's
relaxation state. The sensory output is passed to a sensory
stimulus generator, such as a lamp, which is observed or
experienced by the subject, creating a biofeedback loop.
[0008] The prior art methods have not been used outside the
clinical setting, or with systematic repetition for the purpose of
managing stress, or in conjunction with visualization techniques to
enhance performance at sports or other activities. The present
method is based on the repeated application of these relaxation
techniques to produce a body memory or mental image imprint, which
aids the user in effective stress management, or to enhance
performance in sports, business, or other activity.
[0009] The prior art devices utilize hard-wired, analog equipment,
not adapted for streamlined use outside the clinical setting.
Accordingly, the novel adaptation of the apparatus for the
aforesaid purposes forms another aspect of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect, the invention is a method of inducing a
relaxed state, which comprises the steps of: detecting a user's
breathing pattern with a sensor worn by or positioned on the user;
producing a signal corresponding to the breathing pattern detected
by the sensor; generating auditory and/or visual outputs
corresponding to the signal, and transmitting the auditory and/or
visual outputs to the user through a a feedback monitor worn by, or
otherwise proximate to, the user. These steps are then repeated at
specified intervals for specified lengths of time to create a body
memory or mental image in the user.
[0011] In a normal waking and stimulated state, brainwaves (as
measured with an EEG), are in a range of about 15 cycles per second
to about 40 cycles per second. Relaxation occurs in the alpha
state, where brainwaves are in a range of about 9 cycles per second
to about 14 cycles per second. A "deeply relaxed state" is used
herein to describe the theta state, where brainwaves are in a range
of about 5 to about 8 cycles per second. The theta state is typical
of a trance state, similar to what occurs in a hypnotized subject.
Depending on the individual, achieving either a theta or alpha
state will enhance athletic performance. It also has the additional
benefit of lowering the individual's state of stress. The relaxed
or deeply relaxed state is achieved by utilizing the device
described herein, in the manner described herein. Unless specified
otherwise, "relaxed state" is used herein to refer to both alpha
and theta states.
[0012] As described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,926, the
relaxation quotient is the quotient or ratio of the time period
corresponding to the inhalation/exhalation phase of the user's
respiratory cycle t.sub.A divided by the time period corresponding
to the pause or interval in the cycle t.sub.P averaged over a fixed
period of 0.5 minutes to 3 minutes. Applicants have found that the
relaxation quotient obtained according to the presently described
methods and apparatus correlates with brainwave patterns, such that
an RQ of greater than about 29 corresponds to the theta or deeply
relaxed state; an RQ in a range of about 15 to about 29 is
indicative of the relaxed alpha state; and an RQ in a range of
about zero to about 14 indicates a normal, waking, non-relaxed beta
state brainwave.
[0013] The invention comprises a visualization component, a
relaxation component and a repetition component. With regard to the
visualization component, this involves running an
application-specific visualization observed by the user. The
relaxation component comprises the steps of detecting a user's
breathing pattern with a sensor worn by the user; producing a
signal corresponding to the breathing pattern detected by the
sensor; processing the signal to generate auditory and/or visual
outputs corresponding to the relaxation state of the user; and
transmitting the auditory and/or visual outputs to the user through
a feedback monitor worn by the user.
[0014] With regard to the repetition component, applicants have
found that using this device repetitively within a concentrated
period of time produces a systemic change that results in the
user's ability to relax at will, without employing the device, and
thereby either enhance performance or manage stress. This occurs as
a result of recalling a body memory or mental image resulting from
the experience that allows the user to induce these states of
relaxation without the use of the device. This repetition may cause
an individual to relive the positive mental impressions associated
with a well-performed task, such as hitting a home run at baseball
or getting a goal from the blue line at ice hockey. This response
will enable the user to control his or her level of emotional
arousal in any situation in which he or she might feel anxiety that
would contribute to poor performance in a specific task. Thus, the
response enables an individual to better manage stress and, in
combination with sports visualization techniques, to improve
performance at sports.
[0015] The inventive apparatus for practicing these methods
comprises: a respiration sensor worn by a user that produces
signals corresponding to the depth and frequency of the user's
breathing; a processor adapted to digitally process the signals
produced by the respiration sensor into audio and/or visual
outputs, and to convert the signals from the respiration sensor
into a quantitative measure of the user's relaxation state;
(optionally) a memory store that will enable the user to review the
relaxation pattern/results over the course of the entire session
(and prior sessions); a feedback monitor worn by (or proximate to)
the user and adapted to display visual and/or auditory images
corresponding to an output signal formed by the processor. The
feedback monitor and the sensor are adapted to communicate
wirelessly with the processor.
[0016] The apparatus described herein includes digital components
and processing, and utilizes wireless technology to connect the
components. In addition, it incorporates an audiovisual playback
and display capability to be used in the pre-relaxation
visualization. In further embodiments, the apparatus includes
components for capturing, storing and displaying data. These novel
features, as described in the following detailed description, are
well adapted for the use of the system in repeated sessions to
create a conditioned response, for the purposes described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The apparatus comprises a sensor that measures small
movements of the diaphragm as the user breathes, an electronic
control, a transducing means, and a sensory stimulus generator that
produces a light and sound through a feedback monitor. A feedback
monitor is a device capable of displaying the produced light and/or
sound output to the user. Examples of a feedback monitor include,
without limitation, a separate eyepiece, a separate earpiece, or a
headset which incorporates either or both. It is preferable that
the feedback monitor be worn by the user, or that it be proximate
to the user to a degree sufficient to allow user perception of the
feedback monitor. The result is that the apparatus provides a
feedback loop such that the amplitude of the light and sound
production is connected to and is directly proportional to the
amplitude of the breathing.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, respiration sensor 10, worn by a user,
detects the user's breathing patterns. Instead of the "measuring
band" disclosed in the prior art for this purpose, which encircles
the user's chest, it is preferred to use an optical encoder, of a
type available from U.S. Digital Corporation, Vancouver, Wash., for
example. However, the type of transducer technology used is not
critical and several such technologies are known in the art and may
be adapted for this purpose, including without limitation,
accelerometers, infrared or ultrasonic devices, and strain
gauges.
[0020] The signal produced by the respiration sensor is transmitted
wirelessly to the CPU 20 in digital format. The signal preferably
is processed for wireless transmission by a microprocessor 12, of a
type available from BasicX (NetMedia Inc., Tucson, Ariz.) or other
vendors. Two-way wireless transmission, shown as dashed lines 14,
is preferred, for example via Bluetooth.RTM. transceiver protocol
16, 18, or other available wireless format or protocols. The CPU 20
is a conventional microprocessor capable of digitally processing
the signal transmitted from the sensor to form output signals to
drive components of the audio display 44 and visual display
(lights) 36. It is also preferred to transmit audio to the audio
display 44 via wireless connection 29, 68. These displays may be
conveniently worn by the user. Such devices are known in the art
and are commercially available.
[0021] In preferred embodiments, the apparatus has rich audio and
video display capabilities which make the apparatus more
user-friendly and better adapted for use with visualization
techniques. For example, a CD or DVD player 56 is adapted to
provide background music while the user is wearing the feedback
monitor, via audio source select 42. In embodiments, the CD or DVD
player is a DVD player adapted to provide application-specific
visualizations. These visualizations (described at greater length
below) may be transmitted via video transmitter 46 to a video
receiver 60 (or by other means, including wired transmission) to a
video screen 62. Alternatively, and most preferably, such
visualizations from the DVD player 56 are displayed in the feedback
monitor itself. These external sources of audio and video may be
provided with separate controls 45, 64. "External source" of audio
and video, in this context, simply means that the audio and video
from the CD or DVD player is not modified based on the signals from
the respiration sensor.
[0022] 201 There are two types of additional audio and one type of
additional visual stimulation used with the device, beyond the
audio/video used for the visualization. On the one hand, there is a
CD or DVD source of audio that produces background sounds which do
not vary with respiration. Use of this invariant background sound
is preferred, in order to further isolate the user and enhance the
impact of the modulated white noise and visual stimulation, as
described herein. On the other hand a nonspecific "white noise"
waveform generated at 22 varies according to amplitude of the
respiration. This waveform is modulated in a sensor signal
modulator 70 according to a signal corresponding to relaxation
quotient obtained from the user coming from CPU 20. That is, the
white noise audio volume varies according to the rise and fall of
the user's breathing depending on the modulation selected. In
addition, the visual stimulus is also modulated in parallel with
the audio. There is no particular pattern or format of the light
and sound waveform that is used, as it directly mirrors the rhythm
of breathing.
[0023] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, two-way communication of the
CPU with the light/video selector/driver 64 permits a creation of a
visual display 36 in the feedback monitor that corresponds with an
output signal from the CPU derived from a measure of user's
breathing. Light display 36 varies in intensity (amplitude) and/or
color depending on the rise and fall in intensity of the user's
respiration. The RQ from the sensor is preferably determined in
accordance with the algorithm described in the aforesaid U.S. Pat.
No. 4,665,926, which is not elaborated upon herein.
[0024] Other technological features have been found to be useful in
novel combinations in the apparatus. Printer 34 may be used to
record sensor data or RQ data from the CPU 20. Memory modules 80,
82, 84 may be used to record sessions, which is particularly useful
in the context wherein the user follows a regimen of sessions with
the apparatus. Front panel switches 26, LED display 32 and/or LCD
display 28 are additional user-friendly components of the
apparatus, useful as the apparatus finds application outside the
clinic. A dual serial digital analog converter 50 adds the
capability of outputting sensor or RQ data. The apparatus of the
invention is not limited to the schematic depicted in FIG. 1 and
need not contain all of the features shown in FIG. 1 to be used
effectively for the purposes described herein.
[0025] Turning to the methods, applicants have found that using
this device repetitively within a concentrated period of time
(e.g., using it for 30 minutes 3-4 times per week for 3-4 weeks)
produces a systemic change that results in the user's ability to
achieve a deeply relaxed state and thereby enhance their ability to
manage stress or enhance sports related performance. Repeated
sessions with the device are important to the imprinting of the
desired response. In preferred embodiments a session lasts about 15
minutes to about 1 hour, in which a feedback monitor is positioned
on the user, who is instructed to breathe normally. The device
provides a feedback loop such that the amplitude of the light and
sound production is correlated to the amplitude and frequency of
the user's breathing pattern. As the session progresses the user
enters a state of deep relaxation similar to that attained under
hypnosis or by autogenic training.
[0026] The session is repeated at least twice. The session may be
repeated on a daily basis, and may form part of an ongoing regimen
of stress reduction or performance enhancement, which may not have
specific endpoint. Preferably, the session is repeated multiple
times per week. Alternatively, in embodiments, a regimen of stress
reduction comprises repeating the session about 10 to about 20
times over the course of 2 to about 6 weeks. The method has been
shown to be effective in the context of improving sports
performance with a regimen of sessions lasting about 30 minutes,
repeated 3 to 4 times per week for 3 to 4 weeks.
[0027] There are a wide range of repetitive patterns that produce
different effects or degrees of impact that can be tailored to
specific results desired. One example is that after approximately
twelve uses, the person is asked to picture the feeling attained
while using the device at any time or in any situation in which
there is tension or anxiety. Additionally, he or she may be asked
to take a deep breath at those times. The breath can serve as an
associative cue that triggers a body memory of the relaxed state
which impels the user to re-create that state, thereby decreasing
stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. The result is less
physiological arousal in response to the situation. Essentially,
the user becomes accustomed to assuming the relaxed state in
response to stress.
[0028] For stress management applications, after training is
completed, the user is initially taught to visualize the relaxed
state or to use a breath as the cue to create a more relaxed state
in any situation where there is tension. The individual tracks
physical cues that are associated with tension. Eventually, the
person attains the relaxed state without consciously using a cue.
In this aspect, the method relies on the formation of a conditioned
response in a manner that is familiar to psychologists, quite
distinct from the prior use of the relaxation machine.
[0029] The applicants have discovered that the specific use of the
apparatus and method as described herein enhances athletic or
sports performance.
[0030] A first step in a method for improvement of sports
performance is the presentation to the user of an
application-specific visualization. An "application specific
visualization" is a video presentation focused on an area in which
it is desired to improve an individual skill, or set of skills. For
example, if the user wishes to improve his or her performance in
basketball, the visualization might include video segments in which
a perfectly executed basketball foul shot is shown prior to the
session. This may be followed by the same segment in a loop, or
(for example only), a video segment depicting a perfectly executed
lay-up or three-point shot. Likewise, if tennis is the application
in which it is desired to improve performance, the video segments
might show a perfectly executed serve, forehand or backhand. In
golf, the segments might show a tee-shot, a chip shot or putt. The
common factor is that the visualization is a focused presentation
in the area in which the user wishes to enhance performance. This
visualization may be presented in the feedback monitor worn by the
user, or on a separate module in the vicinity of the relaxation
machine. The external video source may be any source capable of
playing back video DVD or any other medium of visual representation
and does not need to form part of the apparatus. However, for ease
of use it is preferred that this video source is integrated
physically within the device.
[0031] After the visualization is completed, the user uses the
apparatus as described above. The length and repetitions of the
session is the same as in the stress management method described
above, with the preferred length of a session lasting from about 15
minutes to about 1 hour, with about 30 minutes being preferred. The
sessions are repeated at least twice, and in some instances may be
repeated as long as the user desires, on an ongoing basis. It is
preferred that the sessions be repeated multiple times weekly. Most
preferred, a regimen of about 10 to about 20 sessions over 2 two
about 6 weeks is preferred. It is not necessary that the
visualization is run prior to every session. In some cases, the
user may conduct a few sessions with the apparatus before using it
with the visualizations.
[0032] In a test study with a women's college basketball team, the
team members were randomly assigned to two groups, and one group
was trained using the system of the present invention. Training
consisted of three sessions per week for four weeks. Prior to each
of sessions 5 through 12, a short videotape demonstrating a perfect
shot from the foul line was shown. At the end of the season,
statistics between both groups were compared. The statistics from
the group that used the method of this invention exceeded those of
the other group in every category of play.
[0033] The relaxation training has application in several areas
where reaction to stress is an issue, including but not limited to
business, medicine and military arenas.
[0034] The methods and apparatus may be used in business to improve
focusing skills, negotiation skills, and organization skills, which
can result in improved worker productivity. The techniques have
application to reducing burnout, decreasing employee absenteeism,
decreasing employee turnover, decreasing industrial accidents and
alcohol abuse among employees.
[0035] For medical applications this device is useful in treating a
range of disorders exacerbated or caused by stress in which the
application of alpha/theta brainwave training has proven to be
effective using traditional EEG approaches. These applications
include, without limitation, Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel
Syndrome, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance
abuse.
[0036] The methods and apparatus described herein are also useful
in connection with dental procedures. In such instances, the
feedback monitor including the visual display mounted to the top of
the dental chair extending over the patient's head instead of in an
eyepiece or headset. One or more earpieces are worn and the
respiration sensor is placed over the diaphragm. The light and
sound production occurs in the way previously described, in direct
proportion to the depth and duration of breaths, thereby creating a
relaxed state that makes the dental experience more pleasant.
[0037] For military personnel, there are applications to enhance
effectiveness and counter fatigue. Training with the device enables
one to cope more effectively with stressful situations. In
situations where there is combat related fatigue with excitement
that prevents restful sleep, the device can be used daily in
accordance with the disclosure set forth herein to create a state
of relaxation prior to sleep.
[0038] The performance enhancement methods according to the
invention find application across the spectrum of recreational,
amateur, semi-professional and professional sports.
[0039] The foregoing description is not to be considered as
limiting the invention, which is defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *